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The Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Festival is back and bigger than ever.
The Asian culture-based event, which is sponsored by the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, is readying for its fourth annual day of races Saturday, Sept. 16.
This year, 34 boats are participating — the most in the festival’s history, says Barbara Ransome, the chamber’s director of operations.
The rain-or-shine events take place at the Mayor Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park and the Port Jefferson Inner Harbor.
The opening ceremonies are at 8:30 a.m. and the racing starts at 9 a.m., with boats going out every 12 minutes until 4:35 p.m.
According to the International Dragon Boat Federation, dragon boat racing stems from ancient Chinese tradition and is a show of patriotism.
To help advance that tradition here, the chamber gets help from a company called High Five, which travels across the U.S. to set up dragon boat races.
“They provide the equipment, boats, race course, record times, and schedule races,” said Ransome.
Over the last four years, the festival has grown from 16 teams in its inception to maxing out for this fourth festival.
“We have our major hospitals involved, we have local fire departments, fraternal groups,” Ransome said, listing some of the teams.
There are four different tiers of racers: Nonprofits, community/business, corporate, and club teams.
Each dragon boat holds 20 paddlers, 1 steerer, and 1 drummer.
This year will feature all-new teams like the “Rowdy Rollers,” who are all members of the North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce.
Donna Beckle, the team’s co-captain, has been watching dragon boat racing videos in preparation.
“We have no idea what to expect but a lot of fun,” she said.
In addition to the races, there will be vendors and live entertainment throughout the festival until 5:30 p.m.
The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Stony Brook University’s Confucius Institute to help bring Pan-Asian groups to the event.
Foodies should expect potstickers, lo-mein, sushi, fried wontons, as well as popular local items like acai bowls and fried oreos.
There will be performances from Asian singing and dance groups as well.
“It’s a huge cultural education experience,” explained Ransome. “It is the connectivity of Asian culture and our local community and it is a very nice, festive day.”
IF YOU GO
The village parking lots surrounding the race are $.25 per half hour.
Additional parking can be found at CVS and the parking lots across from St. Charles Hospital, and the corner of Belle Terre Road and Myrtle avenue, as well as Caroline Fields. There will be free transportation from these lots to the harbor, all provided by the Port Jeff Jitney.
Top: Two dragon boats racing in 2015 in Port Jefferson.
(Credit: portjeffdragonboatfest.com)
